January 22, 2020
Harrisburg – January 22, 2020 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D – Allegheny/Westmoreland) said that $280,000 in PAsmart science and technology grants have been awarded to school districts in the area.
“Our students are growing up in a technological world that is advancing at an incredibly fast pace,” Brewster said. “We must make sure that when students graduate, they have the technological skills that will serve them in the job market.”
PAsmart grants are awarded through the Pennsylvania Department of Education and focus on expanding access to computer science programs for underrepresented students.
Programs supported by PAsmart grants assist students of color, female students, low-income students and students in rural communities to make sure that these historically underrepresented populations are prepared for the technological future.
Each school will receive $35,000.
Schools receiving PAsmart grants include:
- Brentwood Borough School District
- Clairton City School District
- Gateway School District
- New Kensington-Arnold School District
- Plum Borough School District
- West Jefferson Hills School District
- West Mifflin Area School District
- Woodland Hills School District
“I will continue to work to make sure that our communities have the funding we need to prepare students for successful futures and give teachers the resources they need to make kids career ready.”
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January 21, 2020
Harrisburg – January 21, 2020 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D – Allegheny/ Westmoreland) said today that local fire and EMS organizations in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties will receive nearly $1 million in Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program (FCEMSGP) funds.
“It is imperative that our fire and EMS services have the resources they need to serve our communities and keep us safe” Brewster said.
The Office of the State Fire Commissioner awards FCEMSGP funds to volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads throughout Pennsylvania.
In Allegheny County municipalities in Brewster’s district, there were 52 organizations that are slated to receive $668,784 total in funds. The complete list of organizations and the amount of funding can be found here on the Senator’s website.
Westmoreland County fire, rescue and first responders in Brewster’s district will receive $189,360 in funds for 16 organizations. The complete list of recipients and the total amount earmarked can also be found here on the Senator’s website.
The combined funding for Allegheny and Westmoreland counties is $858,144.
“I will continue to make sure that our fire and EMS services receive the state funding they need to maintain and improve facilities, make sure personnel are properly trained and ensure the safety and security of our communities,” Brewster said.
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January 6, 2020
Harrisburg – January 6, 2020 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D- Allegheny/Westmoreland) announced that he will host two free Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) Financial Aid Seminars for high school students and their families.
“Financing education after high school can be very expensive, but there are financial aid resources to help students who want to pursue college or technical school,” Brewster said.
The first information session will be hosted on Wednesday Jan. 15, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Penn State Greater Allegheny Ostermayer Room in the Student Community Center at 4000 University Dr., McKeesport, PA 15132.
The second session will be hosted on Wednesday Jan. 29, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) South Campus in the Auditorium at 1750 Clairton Rd., West Mifflin, PA 15122.
A student aid expert from PHEAA will be at both sessions to present on the student aid process and how best to plan to pay for a student’s higher education.
“Higher education has an essential role in the lives of students preparing to enter the workforce,” Brewster said. “It is important that students are financially prepared for this step in their lives.”
Students and families interested in attending these free seminars can contact Kathy Jo Osman in Senator Brewster’s office by phone at 412-664-5200 or by email at Kathy.osman@pasenate.com.
December 20, 2019
Harrisburg – December 20, 2019 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that the state Department of Education has awarded Northern Westmoreland CTC $16,930 and A.W. Beattie Career Center $49,650 for new equipment to better align job training programs with high demand jobs.
“There is a real need to ensure that individuals in job training programs can access state-of-the-art equipment, so they are well-prepared to enter the workforce,” Brewster said. “The funds will help better match job skill with job.”
Brewster said the grants were among 32 which were awarded to job training and vocation education centers. He said almost $1,2 million was awarded statewide.
“The funding will enable more students to receive hands-on training which boosts their skill sets and makes them better prepared to meet the needs of local employers,” Brewster said. “Matching job with trained employee is a win for the employee, the employer and our economy.”
The maximum grant is $50,000 and must be matched locally.
Brewster is a member of the Senate Education Committee.
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December 18, 2019
Harrisburg – December 18, 2019 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D – Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that $1,146,950 has been awarded for various railway track upgrades and expansion projects in the region.
“The railways that serve the industrial facilities of our region remain as critical components of highly integrated rail network,” Brewster said. “I am pleased that the state has made this significant investment that will help businesses in the area and create an environment that is conducive to job creation.”
U.S. Steel Corporation has been awarded $689,500 to complete rail track updates to accommodate their new hot rolling mill in Braddock.
Union Railroad was awarded $457,450 to construct new railway track and a new rail turnout that will also serve U.S. Steel’s new hot rolling mill.
PennDOT will be distributing the funds for the projects.
“I will continue to push for investments in railway and manufacturing operations,” Brewster said.
December 13, 2019
Harrisburg – December 13, 2019 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D- Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that he was honored to recognize more than 60 local veterans for their service to our country at a Thursday, Dec. 12 breakfast at VFW Post 92 in Lower Burrell.
“The veterans who were recognized at the breakfast — and all veterans from all branches of our armed forces — deserve to be recognized for their sacrifice and service to our nation,” Brewster said. “Reaching out to local veterans and thanking them for what they have done to protect our nation and defend liberty was an honor.”
The lawmaker has hosted events to honor veterans at several locations throughout the year.
As a part of the breakfast, veterans were called up to receive a special pin and certificate of recognition.
Brewster has been very involved in veterans’ issues during his tenure in the Senate. In this session alone, he co-sponsored and voted for legislation to help pay for an education program for spouses and family members of those in the National Guard. He is also a co-sponsor of legislation to increase the pension for blind and vision impaired National Guard veterans.
Veterans services representatives from federal, state and county offices were available at the event to answer questions about programs and services.
“I was happy to recognize veterans who came to the breakfast and offer services,” Brewster said. “If a veteran or family member needs help at any time, they can call any of my district offices and my staff can provide assistance.”
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December 12, 2019
Harrisburg – December 12, 2019 – The state Department of Education (PDE) has approved a $29,935 grant for Allegheny Intermediate Unit to purchase equipment to aid instruction for homebound students, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today.
“The funding from PDE will help provide instruction to students suffering from chronic illnesses or medical issues who are recovering at home,” Brewster said. “The equipment will help the students stay immersed in activities with classmates.”
Brewster said the funding is part of $300,000 in Keystone Telepresence grants to intermediate units statewide.
The McKeesport lawmaker said the grants are being made available through PDE’s special education funding line. This year’s budget includes $1.19 billion for special education.
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December 11, 2019
Harrisburg, PA – Just in time for the holiday season, Senator Jim Brewster is excited to announce that the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is now selling 2020 fishing licenses.
“When you buy a fishing license now, you really get the most value for your dollar,” said Amber Nabors, Director of the PFBC Bureau of Outreach, Education and Marketing. “Not only will you be covered for every fishing season for the rest of this year and next year, but if you like to buy your license at a store, you can avoid the long lines we often see around the start of the spring trout season.”
All fishing licenses and related permits purchased now are valid for up to 13 months, from December 2019 through December 31, 2020. Licenses and permits can be purchased at www.gonefishingpa.com, at more than 700 issuing agents, county treasurers’ offices and at all PFBC regional offices.
In addition to licenses and permits, such as the trout/salmon or Lake Erie permits, customers may choose to purchase vouchers that can be given as gifts and be redeemed by recipients.
“We are always looking for ways to spend more time with our families and friends,” said Nabors. “Vouchers make great gifts for the avid angler in your life or even someone new to the sport. If you want to introduce someone to fishing, buying them a license voucher can be the nudge they need to join you on the water this year.”
The price of an annual resident fishing license this year is still $22.90. Multi-year options are also available in 3, 5 and 10 year increments. The most popular add-ons, a trout-salmon permit and a Lake Erie permit cost $9.90 each, or $15.90 for a combination permit. Once again for the 2020 license year, customers can purchase a collectible fishing license button for $10. This year’s button features a pumpkinseed sunfish design and is customized with the angler’s individual license number (buttons are not issued at the time of purchase and will be mailed to the buyer within 3-4 weeks).
In 2020, anglers who visit a license issuing agent in-person can receive the Fishing Summary book free of charge. The book, which outlines current fishing regulations and laws, seasons and creel limits, and safety information also includes advertising and coupons. An identical, digital version of the Fishing Summary book can be viewed and printed for free at www.FishInPA.com, or viewed on the free FishBoatPA mobile app for smart phones.
“Pennsylvania anglers have a lot to look forward to this year,” added Nabors. “In 2020, we will be more than doubling the number of trophy-sized trout being stocked in lakes and streams across the state and extending many of our Keystone Select Stocked Trout Waters. We’ll also be increasing the number of Golden Rainbow Trout that we stock prior to the trout season and stocking them in-season for the first time ever. The FishBoatPA app can help you keep track of stocking locations and the expanded special regulation areas closest to you.”
Customers purchasing a 2020 license can once again can support their favorite PFBC programs through the purchase of voluntary permits for Bass, Musky, Wild Trout and Enhanced Waters, and Habitat/Waterways Conservation. These permits are not required for fishing and carry no additional privileges, but all funds generated through them are reinvested into their respective program.
While youth anglers under age 16 do not require a fishing license, they must have either a Voluntary Youth Fishing License ($2.90) or a free Mentored Youth Fishing Permit to participate in various youth opportunities throughout the season. This includes the Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Days, which occur the week before the opening of the regional and statewide openers in each area.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is a user-funded agency that operates primarily on funds generated through the sale of fishing licenses, boating registrations and associated fees. The PFBC receives no Pennsylvania General Fund tax revenue to support its programs.
Fishing Dates
December 1, 2019 – 2020 Fishing Licenses On Sale
March 28 — Regional Mentored Youth Trout Day (18 southeastern counties)
April 4 – Regional Opening Day of Trout Season
April 11 – Statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day
April 18 – Statewide Opening Day of Trout Season
November 1, 2019 through April 30, 2020 – Mandatory Life Jacket Requirement
November 27, 2019
Harrisburg – November 27, 2019—Legislation permitting hunting on three Sundays throughout the year was signed into law today by Gov. Tom Wolf, according to Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland.)
Brewster co-prime sponsored the measure (Senate Bill 147) along with Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie.)
This bill provides for hunting on three Sundays: one during rifle deer season, one in statewide archery deer season and a third to be determined by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
The bill also makes trespassing while hunting a primary offense and increases the penalties for trespassing. It also requires written permission from a landowner to hunt on any of the Sundays.
Brewster’s statement on the signing follows:
“This bill is a result of a collaborative effort of major stakeholders. This new law will create opportunities for hunters in Pennsylvania to get into the field and generate additional revenue that can be used to address chronic wasting disease which is fatal to deer and elk.
“I want to thank Senator Dan Laughlin, supporters in the state House, and all who are interested in Sunday hunting for their advocacy of this important legislation.”
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November 20, 2019
Harrisburg – November 20, 2019 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D- Allegheny/Westmoreland) announced today that state funds have been awarded to a land preservation project in Elizabeth Township.
“Projects like this allow us to preserve sustainable outdoor recreation,” Brewster said.
The Allegheny Land Trust was awarded $365,300 for the acquisition of 150 acres in Elizabeth Township. The land will be dedicated to passive recreation and open land space protection.
Funding comes through the Community Conservation Partnership Program grants and is distributed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
“I fully support efforts to invest money into our communities and to projects that promote environmental protection and recreation,” Brewster said. “I will continue seeking state funding that help preserve open spaces.”
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November 18, 2019
Harrisburg – November 18, 2019 – Legislation that would empower the Pennsylvania Game Commission to allow hunting on up to three Sundays each year received final legislative approval on Monday (November 18) and was sent to the Governor for enactment into law, according to Senators Dan Laughlin (R-49) and Jim Brewster (D-45).
“Today was a historic vote. We are now just one step away from increasing recreational opportunities for the thousands of Pennsylvania sportsmen and women who enjoy hunting,” said Senator Laughlin, prime cosponsor of the bill and Chairman of the Senate Game & Fisheries Committee. “This has been a long time coming and is truly a tribute to the thousands of hunters and the many organizations who have supported this effort.”
“This bill is a result of collaborative effort of the major stakeholders that had an interest Sunday hunting. And will not only create opportunities for hunters- men and women, young and old to get out into Pennsylvania’s great outdoors,” said Senator Brewster, Democratic Chairman of the Senate Game & Fisheries Committee and prime cosponsor of the bill. “Also, it will generate additional revenue that we can hopefully use to solve CWD, which is fatal to deer and elk.
Senate Bill 147 provides for hunting on three Sundays: one during rifle deer season, one during the statewide archery deer season and one on a Sunday determined by the Game Commission. The bill also amends the Pennsylvania Game Code to make trespassing while hunting a primary offense and increase the penalties for the offense.
“Weekends are the only free time for many hunters,” Senator Laughlin said. “Those two days are essentially the only time that most working men and women can get out into the woods. The same could be said for many young people, the ones who represent the future of the sport. Lifting the ban will give them increased opportunities to pursue the activity that they love.”
The bill also provides that written permission of the landowner is required to hunt on private property on any of the Sundays being added to the expanded Sunday hunting provisions. The penalty for a violation of this provision will be a summary offense of the third degree.
Additionally, Senate Bill 147 requires the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to perform a financial analysis of the Game Commission’s fees, fines, penalties, royalties, Federal and state appropriations and other sources of revenue received by the commission, and of expenditures, including annual operating costs, investments, land purchases and capital projects, within 180 days after the bill is enacted.
November 15, 2019
Harrisburg – November 15, 2019 – More than $1.5 million in tax credits to spur community revitalization has been approved for projects in the Monongahela Valley, eastern Allegheny County and Westmoreland County, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today.
The tax credits were approved through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Tax Credit Program.
“These tax credits will help fund a variety of community development projects in Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties,” Brewster said. “There are a wide variety of projects that received tax credits, with each having a great impact on neighborhoods and communities throughout the region.”
Brewster said tax credits were approved for the following projects:
- Rebuilding Together Pittsburgh in McKeesport ($225,000) will complete the rehabilitation of 20 housing units. The project will create four jobs and 2000 volunteer hours of labor are included in the scope of work;
- McKees Point Development Group in McKeesport ($360,000) will use the tax credits to stabilize existing housing stock, rehabilitate and resize the downtown business district and maximize job creation from tourism. The project includes development of historical assets and further access to the Great Allegheny Passage;
- Tax credits were approved for the Mon Valley Initiative in Braddock ($160,000) to support new investment and development in Braddock and increase home ownership;
- In Clairton, tax credits were approved for Economic Development South ($380,000) to spur investment and restore housing stock;
- Greater Community Food Bank in Duquesne will use ($110,000) in tax credits to strengthen its partner network, implement new practices to expand coverage and rehabilitate a building;
- Center for Victims were approved for ($82,500) to complete building renovations to serve those who need shelter services;
- In East Pittsburgh, This Generation Connect will use tax credits ($110,000) to establish a permanent base to support healthy engagement and relationship building. These tax credits will promote the development of alternative drop in space to serve as a “safe-harbor”.
- Westmoreland Community Action in New Kensington received tax credits ($160,000) to address issues including recreation, blight, beautification efforts and main street rehabilitation while addressing concerns expressed by local businesses.
November 14, 2019
Harrisburg – November 14, 2019 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that recreation and park projects in Lower Burrell, Westmoreland County and Baldwin Borough in Allegheny County have been awarded Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) grants totaling nearly $230,000.
“State resources redirected back to help local communities fund park and recreation projects are important and help municipalities in their redevelopment efforts,” Brewster said. “Planning for future recreation and the preservation of open spaces, in addition to developing community parks are excellent uses of DCNR grants.”
- Lower Burrell was awarded $19,000 to prepare a recreation and open space plan for the city;
- Baldwin Borough will receive a $210,000 grant to help rehabilitate and further develop Elm Leaf Park. The project includes renovations, development of parking areas, dugouts, comfort stations, new play equipment in addition to other improvements.
The grants were part of third-round funding for Community Parks and Partnerships.
November 12, 2019
Harrisburg – November 12, 2019 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today announced a total of $1.575 million in state grant dollars for 11 local economic development programs.
“These Gaming Economic Development Fund monies help local communities advance and accelerate work on key economic development projects,” Brewster said. “I will continue to seek state grant and loan program dollars to help local leaders get projects up and running.”
Funding includes:
- $50,000 to the Community Improvement Advisory Committee in Wilmerding to help rehabilitate houses for resale;
- $325,000 to Elizabeth Borough for work on its central business district;
- $50,000 to Baldwin Borough for the New Outlook Academy Expansion and Revitalization Project (Phase 2);
- $100,000 to West Mifflin Borough for the Livingston Road Storm Water Improvements Project;
- $100,000 to Glassport Borough for Glassport Road Rehabilitation;
- $100,000 to the Urban League of Pittsburgh for renovation and repair of the Duquesne Family Support Center;
- $50,000 to the Turtle Creek Valley COG for Pitcairn Borough Building demolitions;
- $100,000 to the Turtle Creek Valley COG for the Holiday Park Storm Sewer Project (Phase 1) in Plum Borough;
- $50,000 to the to the Turtle Creek Valley COG for the Turtle Creek 2019 Blight Removal Project;
- $150,000 to Rebuilding Pittsburgh Together for the RTP McKeesport Housing Project; and
- $500,000 to the Pittsburgh Film Office for the Pittsburgh Film Industry Workforce Readiness Program in Rankin, Swissvale, Braddock and North Braddock.
Project funding comes from the Gaming Economic Development Fund administered by the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County.
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November 12, 2019
Harrisburg – November 12, 2019 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that state grant funding in excess of $1 million has been approved for projects in five municipalities in the Mon Valley and eastern Allegheny County.
Funding was approved for West Mifflin, North Braddock, Glassport, Pitcairn and Lincoln Borough.
“The grants will help communities throughout the region complete important projects,” Brewster said. “For many of the communities, this funding is essential because the municipalities would struggle to raise local funds.
“Any state resources redirected back to our area to fund needed upgrades relieves local taxpayer burden and helps improve a community’s quality of life.”
Brewster said the funding approved through the Commonwealth Financing Authority through its Multimodal program.
He said that the following grants were approved:
- West Mifflin will receive $200,000 for landslide repair along Curry Hollow Road;
- North Braddock’s Hawkins Avenue Pedestrian Sidewalk Project is slated to receive $163,550;
- Glassport will use $196,900 for the Broadway Public Step Improvement project;
- Pitcairn is set to use $300,000 for Hillside Avenue slide remediation;
- Lincoln Borough’s Fuehrer Drive Phase III was approved for $155,444.
Brewster said that total amount approved by the CFA for the local projects was $1,015,899.
The CFA was created in 2004 to serve as administer economic development programs. Its’ Multimodal Transportation Fund finances projects to improve and develop transportation access. Funding can be used for developments related to road connectivity, streetscape, lighting and mass transit.
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October 23, 2019
Harrisburg – October 23, 2019 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland), who co-authored Senate legislation to permit hunting on three Sundays per year, today said he is encouraged by the bill’s advance toward a final vote in the state House of Representatives.
Brewster said the House Game and Fisheries Committee’s approval (21-4) of Senate Bill 147 is an excellent step forward as the measure works its way through the legislative process.
“There has been plenty of discussion and a thorough examination of this proposal in both the Senate and now the state House,” Brewster said. “House committee approval puts the legislation on a path toward it ultimately becoming law.”
Brewster, who worked with co-author Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-Erie) to push the measure through the Senate (36-14) earlier this year, said strong support from sportsmen and women plus changes made to the proposal to accommodate farmers and property owners helped build a strong coalition in support of Sunday hunting.
“As a lifelong sportsman, I support Sunday hunting,” Brewster said. “I also recognize that farmers and landowners have issues related to Sunday hunting that deserve consideration. The bill strikes a good balance and will be widely accepted in communities across the state.”
If the bill is approved by the House, Brewster said it must return to the Senate. Given the bipartisan authorship and support across the Senate chamber, he predicted that the Senate would accept the current House amendments and advance the bill to the governor for his signature.
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Contact: Tim Joyce
Phone: 412 380-2242
Email: Timothy.Joyce@pasenate.com
October 16, 2019
Harrisburg − October 16, 2019 – To spur citizen engagement on whether Pennsylvania should legalize marijuana, state Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) is renewing his call for passage of legislation authorizing a statewide vote on the issue.
“My proposal (Senate Bill 527) would put the issue of legalizing marijuana on the ballot,” Brewster said. “A referendum would give statewide voters the chance to express their opinion on marijuana legalization.”
Earlier this year, Brewster sponsored the measure authorizing the vote. If recreational marijuana is eventually legalized, he proposed that revenue generated from legalization should be used for mental health funding and constructing substance abuse treatment facilities.
State Auditor General Eugene DePasquale last year released a report indicating that legalization would produce an estimated $580 million.
“It is critically important that citizens have a chance to let lawmakers know their views on the legalization of marijuana,” Brewster said. “If marijuana is approved and significant funds generated, we must ensure that the dollars are put to good use.”
Brewster’s legislation was referred to the Senate State Government Committee for consideration in May.
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September 27, 2019
McKeesport – Sept. 27, 2019 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) said today that PennDOT’s District Executive Cheryl Moon-Sirianni acted quickly, decisively and in the interest of public safety when she ordered the temporary closure of the Route 51 Bridge between Elizabeth and West Elizabeth following a cable support failure.
“The temporary closure of the heavily-used bridge was necessary to avert a crisis,” Brewster said. “District Director Moon-Sirianni took decisive action to protect those who use the Route 51 Bridge in Elizabeth. Safety is a top priority.”
Brewster said he has been assured that repair work will continue on the span and crews will be on scene doing repairs until the bridge can be safely reopened.
“The bridge is a key aspect of the Mon Valley transportation system and must be quickly repaired,” Brewster said. “PennDOT leadership has been open, transparent and acted to protect those who use the bridge.”
Brewster said that PennDOT will provide further updates as work progresses.
September 25, 2019
McKeesport – September 25, 2019 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D- Allegheny/Westmoreland) will host a free shredding event at the Allegheny Township Municipal Building Parking Lot, 136 Community Road in Leechburg. The event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28.
“Securely disposing of personal documents and records is incredibly important,” Brewster said. “Consumer fraud and identity theft are very real issues that can be prevented by shredding documents that hold personal information.”
Brewster said that documents such as social security documents, personal banking records, credit card statements and medical records may contain personal information and can be shredded at this event it they are no longer needed for one’s personal records.
“I look forward to this event and helping keep people’s personal information secure,” Brewster said.
September 24, 2019
McKeesport – Sept. 24, 2019 – Sen. Jim Brewster (D- Allegheny/Westmoreland) will host a Senior Wellness and Safety Expo in McKeesport this Thursday, Sept. 26 from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at McKeesport Palisades, 100 Fifth Avenue.
“Hosting this event is an excellent opportunity to provide valuable information to our seniors,” Brewster said. “It is also an opportunity to provide them with beneficial health services and screenings.”
Brewster said that there will be health screenings for hearing, vision, blood pressure, bone density, carbon monoxide and blood glucose. He said that seniors will also have the opportunity to receive a flu shot for free with no proof of insurance required.
Rep. Austin Davis (D- Allegheny) is partnering with Brewster for this event.
“I look forward to seeing many of our senior citizens come out for this fun and informative event,” Brewster said.
September 17, 2019
Harrisburg – Sept. 17, 2019 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) today said he is pleased that more than $500,000 in state grant funding was approved for an array of recreation projects in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.
“Our ability to help local communities improve their recreation and public spaces is significantly bolstered by funding that is brought back from Harrisburg,” Brewster said. “These new dollars for the enhancement of recreation projects in both Allegheny and Westmoreland counties will improve the quality of life in our communities.”
Funding was approved for park and recreation projects in Port Vue, Baldwin, Plum, Elizabeth and North Versailles in Allegheny County. Vandergrift and Lower Burrell in Westmoreland County also received state funds for park and pool rehabilitation projects.
The grants were made available through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Act 13 program funds. The following program dollars were approved in this round of funding for projects in Brewster’s district in Allegheny County:
- Port Vue Borough Port Vue Athletic Association Recreation Building $53,763
- Baldwin Borough Elm Leaf Park Improvements $50,000
- Plum Borough Logan’s Ferry Park Improvements $150,000
- Elizabeth Borough Streetscape, Riverfront Park Improvements $50,000
- North Versailles Crestas ball field lighting $50,000
In the Westmoreland County portion of Brewster’s district, funding for the following projects were approved:
- Lower Burrell Veterans Central Park Improvements $50,000
- Vandergrift Borough Pool Renovation $165,313
Brewster said that while he is pleased that these grants were approved, he will continue to seek other resources for communities through other state programs.
September 13, 2019
McKeesport, September 13, 2019 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today announced a total of $811,844 in state funds for four local crime reduction and victim services programs.
“I am committed to using state resources to strengthen local efforts to curb gun violence and help those who are victimized by crime,” Brewster said.
Brewster said the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency this week approved the following grants:
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September 13, 2019
Harrisburg, September 13, 2019 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today announced a total of $26.5 million in state funds for construction work at the community colleges in Allegheny and Westmoreland County.
“As our community colleges become a more viable and important educational opportunities for area students, I am pleased that state funds are being used to improve and expand their facilities.”
According to Brewster, the state Department of Education has approved $20 million for the Community College of Allegheny County for construction of its Workforce Training Center. An additional $6.5 million was earmarked for the Westmoreland County Community College to modernize its Enterprise Resource Planning System.
The department monies represent 50 percent of the annual capital expense for the projects, with the remainder financed by local sponsorship.
“I will continue to seek state support for projects and programs that enhance our community colleges,” Brewster said.
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September 4, 2019
McKeesport – Sept. 4, 2019 – State Sen. Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) welcomed Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf to Twin Rivers Elementary School today to discuss the governor’s comprehensive plan to reform charter schools.
“Our laws governing the operations of charter and cyber-charter schools need to be reformed. We need to bring greater accountability and transparency so that our children are well educated, and our taxpayers protected,” Brewster said.
“For too long, charter operations have been cloaked in secrecy with the law having multiple loopholes and little oversight capability.”
The governor’s plan is a multi-part effort including executive actions to re-write charter regulations and push comprehensive charter reform legislation.
The governor’s plan includes instituting greater transparency in admissions and enrollment policies to halt discrimination, opening charter school operations, mandating ethical standards for charter boards, new auditing and oversight to prevent overcharging taxpayers.
Brewster has long been a legislative champion of charter school reform. For several sessions, he has offered sweeping charter reform bills to rein in out-of-control cyber and brick-and-mortar charter schools. His legislation includes greater oversight by local school districts, financial accountability and built-in protections for taxpayers.
“As a long-time advocate for charter reform, I believe the governor has offered responsible administrative changes and proposed meaningful legislative solutions. Charters need to complement, not compete with, traditional public schools.”
Charter schools should work in concert with traditional public schools and their operations need to be coordinated with local school districts, Brewster said.
The lawmaker also pointed to needed changes in the statewide charter appeal board to improve the charter school law.
Brewster said he was pleased to welcome the governor to the Mon Valley and thanked the governor for making charter reform a priority.
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August 29, 2019
Harrisburg – Aug. 29, 2019 – The statewide School Safety and Security Committee has endorsed state Sen. Jim Brewster’s (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) plan to create a subcommittee to explore the development of baseline safety and security standards applicable to all schools.
“To ensure the safety and security of our students and all who go into public schools, it is critical that schools’ baseline safety standards be in place,” Brewster said. “A detailed safety and security plan with a focus on a school’s physical plan, accessibility to mental health services and environmental protections is necessary.”
Recommendations produced by the subcommittee will be sent to the full School Safety and Security Committee for approval, Brewster said.
Earlier this year, Brewster sent a letter to the members of the School Safety and Security Committee asking that they consider his proposal. Brewster, who serves on the committee, has sponsored Senate Bill 788, which would create baseline standards by statute.
Brewster said he asked the committee to act on his idea to expedite work on developing the standards.
“All school districts should have state resources available to adhere to easily understandable and clear baseline standards regarding the physical structure of schools, access to mental health professionals for counseling, and protection from environmental problems such as lead, mold and other health threats,” Brewster said. “Our efforts are centered on protecting students, teachers, administrators and parents who are in our school buildings and on campus.”
The McKeesport lawmaker said the state budget has included $60 million installments for each of the last two years for school safety. This funding can be applied to helping school districts comply with baseline requirements developed by the subcommittee, he said.
The School Safety and Security Committee was established by statute in 2018 and is administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.
Brewster said he is grateful that the committee acted on his request and pleased that it made his proposal a priority.
